The Royal Parks is celebrating the Tour de France coming to London this weekend with two specially-designed flower beds. The beds, which have been turning heads in St James's Park and at Hyde Park Corner, contain three topiary cyclists beside displays of flowers, in the form of the Royal Parks and Tour de France logos.

The beds were designed by Royal Parks' staff, prior to around half a million spectators arriving to watch the biggest cycle race in the world. The Prologue route of the Tour de France on 7th July will pass through Hyde Park, Green Park and St James's Park, while the Grand Départ (8th July) starts in St James's Park. The People's Village, a free fun event promoting cycling in the Capital, is located in Hyde Park from 6 � 8th July.

The 5.5m x 4m flower beds will stay in place for the summer.

• The beds are located off Horse Guards Road in St James's Park and at Hyde Park Corner, off South Carriage Drive. Both Parks are open from 5am to midnight, daily.
• Flowers used include cotton lavender, echeveria elegans and sempervivum.

For more information on The Tour de France see www.royalparks.org.uk/events/event.cfm?id=990 and www.tourdefrancelondon.com/en/203.asp

Louise Wood, Corporate Communications Manager,
The Royal Parks, t: 020 7298 2145, m 07791150828 e-mail: lwood@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Pictures (JPEGs) of the flower beds are available on request